J.B. Holmes blasted by fellow pros for slow play

J.B. Holmes incurred the wrath of his fellow pros on social media last night after taking four minutes and ten seconds to play his second shot on the 18th hole.

The American needed an eagle on the par-5 final hole to force his way into a play-off with Jason Day at the Farmers Insurance Open, with playing partners Ryan Palmer – needing birdie – and Alex Noren – needing par – also in contention.

But, in weighing up his options, Holmes took a shocking length of time – timed at four minutes and ten seconds – only to then lay up.

At the same time, Noren was waiting to play his second shot and it led many pros who were watching the action to call out Holmes for his ‘horrendous’ sportsmanship.

Noren subsequently missed the green with his second shot but made par to join Day, while Palmer made birdie to make it a three-way play-off.

Palmer was eliminated on the first hole and, after five holes, Day and Noren couldn’t be separated. With darkness approaching, play was halted for the day with the duo set to come back today to finish the play-off.

But there won’t be any spectators allowed at Torrey Pines today. A statement released by tournament director Peter Ripa said fans won’t be allowed in due to ‘security and operational realities’.

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